Obituary of Paul Anthony Sanford

Paul Sanford, age 63, went home to be with Jesus peacefully in his sleep on June 24, 2017 with his wife, Chris Leggett-Sanford, by his side at home after a short illness. Paul was born to Darrell and Madalene Sanford in WaKeeney, Kansas on April 3, 1954. Paul spent his youth in Wichita, Kansas and Stillwater, Oklahoma. Paul summered often at his family homestead in Black Forest, Colorado. Paul was a talented athlete in all sports in which he competed: National Champion Youth basketball player; football, track, and basketball letterman at C.E. Donart High School (Class of '72) in Stillwater, Oklahoma; walk-on football player for Oklahoma State University; and rugby at Tulsa Law School were a few of his athletic pastimes. Recreational downhill skiing, golfing, hunting, and fishing gave him joy for many years.Paul graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in English/Geology/Pre-Law in 1979. Paul earned his Juris Doctor at Tulsa Law School in 1984. While in law school, he interned at the Public Defender's office in Tulsa. But, upon graduation from TU Law, Paul ventured out to his beloved Colorado. Paul's first (and last) job as a practicing attorney was with the 4th Judicial District in Colorado Springs as a Deputy District Attorney in 1984. Paul's ferociousness in the courtroom was well known. After twenty-two years as an accomplished prosecutor, Paul retired as an Assistant District Attorney in 2007. Paul was not ready to completely leave his love of the law, so he returned to the DA's office as a part-time filing attorney until 2016. Because of his generous spirit, Paul was volunteering as a part-time driver for Silver Key Senior Services at the time of his death.Paul met the love of his life, Chris, in 1975 at Oklahoma State University. The two dated for five years, only to part ways in 1980. Reunited 34 years later in 2014, their life-long love was sealed in marriage in 2015. In addition to his mother, Paul is preceded in death by his infant sister, Dara Jean Sanford. Paul is survived by his wife, Chris Leggett-Sanford; two stepdaughters, Allyson and Kelley Leggett from Tulsa , Oklahoma; father, Darrell Sanford from Black Forest, Colorado; brothers, Michael Sanford and his wife, Ann, from Bristow, Oklahoma and Marc Sanford, his wife, Madelyn, his son, Jason (wife, Sofia and son, Justin) and daughter, Katelyn, from Black Forest, Colorado; sister, Mary Jane Boese, her husband, Bill, her daughters, Carmella Caltagirone (husband, Peter) and Elizabeth Caltagirone; and his beloved German Shepherds, Sadie and Sunshine.He will always be remembered, not only for his twinkling blue eyes, bright smile, and sarcastic wit, but also for his generous heart, love of animals, intelligence, and passion for protecting his family and friends.Please join Paul's family in a Celebration of Life held at 10:00AM, Friday, June 30, 2017 at the Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923. Graveside Service, 11:30AM, Friday, June 30, 2017 at Eastonville Cemetery, Elbert, Colorado 80106.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul's memory to the American Diabetes Association at https://donations.diabetes.org.Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Cemetery Friday, June 30, 2017 11:30AM Eastonville Cemetery Northeast Corner of Meridian and Latigo Boulevard Elbert, CO 80106 Phone: 719-328-1793 Service Friday, June 30, 2017 10:00AM The Springs Funeral Services - North 6575 Oakwood Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80923 Phone: 719-207-8611